Arabella simply couldn't wait to start the next chapter of her life; it was a new adventure and she would have her little Harry with her. She took a moment to look around the house that she had lived in for the past eight years and realized with surprise that she wouldn't even miss it. It had never even really been a home to her. Albus Dumbledore's offer of a place to live in exchange for her watching over the Dursley residence had simply come at an opportune moment in time. Both of her parents had just died and since she was a squib and ineligible to inherit, it left her with no place to go. At the time, it was a relief to simply have somewhere to live.

Scowling, Arabella remembered being thoroughly appalled by the behavior of the Ministry. Her parents hadn't even been dead for 24 hours and the Ministry was already trying to evict her from her home. They even told her that the contents of the house were to be left behind. They weren't even going to allow her to take her personal items and clothing. She wouldn't be surprised if they would have even taken the clothes off her back! Thankfully, a few items were saved for her by a good man, who risked his job and freedom, to help her.

She would be forever grateful to Arthur Weasley for saving her most treasured items. She would have been left with nothing, if it wasn't for his kindness. A few hours before the Ministry was due to arrive to 'inventory' the house and its contents, Arthur had knocked on her door. He gave his condolences and then told that he was there to help her retain at least some of her family's legacy. He told her that she should choose the items that meant the most to her and he would hide them for her. She had practically flung herself at him, she was so relieved. He had patted her back awkwardly for a few minutes, then reminded her that they only had a very short time to work with. Calming herself, she had quickly showed him the items she treasured most. He shrunk the items and then replicated them by transfiguring pieces of tissue. He told her to send him her new address once she was settled and he would bring them to her as soon as the coast was clear. He had been careful not to be seen and even took pains to disguise his signature by using a different wand. Thankfully, his plan worked and the Ministry never suspected the subterfuge. Naturally, they did come calling when the items reverted into tissues, but as she was a squib and the items, which were still in Arthur's possession, were nowhere to be found, they were forced to let her go. A couple of months later, Arthur had helped her set up the items in the house on Wisteria Walk.

Severus found himself to be more than amused at Harry's fascinated gasps as Dassy went about the house flicking her fingers, conjuring boxes and causing items to 'pack' themselves. The boy clapped in delight and exclaimed that she was awesome every time she snapped her fingers making the furnishings and boxes vanish. He couldn't help but delight in Harry's delight and smile at Dassy's blushes. Luckily, she was well used to being complimented. Like many raised on the Muggle side of things, he treated her not as a possession, but as an treasured friend. Severus shuddered to think how hard moving this house would be without the considerable talents of his beloved house elf. He definitely treasured her far more than most anyone raised in the Wizarding world would. Almost before they knew it, Dassy was done moving all the non-living contents of the house. Now all that remained were the three humans and Arabella's beloved felines.

Dassy, her cheeks still rosy with her pleasure at Harry's complements, popped in front of him and asked “What will Master Severus have Dassy do now, sir? I is not sure what Lady Figgy wants me to do with her kitties. I does not know if they are safe to transport by myself.”

“Safe? Oh, never mind. What am I thinking? I do understand. Arabella?” Severus raised his voice slightly to catch her attention. She had been staring thoughtfully into space for quite some time now.

“Hmmm? Oh, I have been woolgathering a bit, haven't I? I do apologize, Severus.” Arabella said with a slightly wistful smile. “Was there something you needed?

“No need to apologize. You are allowed to reminisce about your time in this house.” He said gently. “Dassy has completed moving all your furnishings and needs to know what you wish her to do about moving your feline companions.”

“Oh? Oh, yes!” She exclaimed. “I had nearly forgotten that many animals do not respond well to being moved by house elf magic. Don't worry about them being hurt by your magic, Dassy. Thankfully, my kitties are Kneazle cross breeds and respond well to house elf magic. They will be fine as long as they are in cushioned carriers.” Dassy bowed at the waist and flicked her fingers and six rather small looking carriers appeared.

“Aren't those a bit small?” Harry asked, head tilted slightly to one side.

“Oh's no, Little Master. They's are far larger on the insides.” Dassy giggled. Harry couldn't help himself; he ran over to one of the carriers, opened the door, and stuck his head inside to the amusement of everyone else.

“Wow! There is so much space inside of these!” He breathed in wide-eyed excitement. “There are cat toys and beds and even litter boxes! Any cat would love to live in one of these.”

Trying hard not to laugh, Arabella suggested that Harry help her fetch the cats for transport to their new home. He jumped up and ran up the stairs calling out to the cats who had been sequestered in one of the bedrooms upstairs. A scant few minutes later Harry all but skipped down the stairs with a long line of cats following him, mewing happily. They had hesitated only momentarily at the carriers, easily taking Harry's word that they were quite safe. After all, Harry had told them all about the wonders inside of them when he came to get them.

Severus stared for a moment, then when Arabella giggled something about the tale of the Pied Piper, he started to laugh. He and Arabella practically had to hold each other up, their hysterics were so strong, much to Harry's confused consternation.

She had been searching for what had to be several hours now and Petunia was beginning to get frantic. She had looked everywhere and there was no sign of the blasted boy. She had even taken the risk of talking to the known early risers in the neighborhood to see if any had seen him. They all just looked at her like she was insane. After all, what child of that age would be running about at that hour? She had even tracked down the early morning driver for the local bus service and questioned him. He, of course, denied seeing any children, let alone one fitting the description she gave. She was even beginning to wonder if perhaps some random person had grabbed Harry. She hoped that he was just hiding really well.

“Get a hold of yourself, Petunia, and think!”, she told herself firmly. “What are you missing?”

She had searched the entire neighborhood several times and even ventured into some of the surrounding ones, keeping in mind how far he was likely to get on foot, to no avail. She had even taken the risk of asking around if anyone had seen him. She would have to remember to tell Vernon that the boy ran late coming home if she found him, just in case. It wouldn't do for him to discover her subterfuge. Suddenly, her mind was drawn back to Ms. Figg. She was the only person in their neighborhood that might help the boy if he asked. It was well-known that she liked the boy greatly and even had the temerity to defend him against Vernon's claims that Harry was a criminal in the making. She told all that would listen that he was a good boy. The whole neighborhood was aware that Harry was good as gold for Ms. Figg, which had caused a few raised eyebrows at first, but eventually they began to believe Vernon or at least pretend to. It was a good thing for her and her husband that most of the neighborhood felt that Ms. Figg was more than just a bit eccentric. Petunia he had often wondered if the woman was far more clever and far less crazy than one would think and now, she was beginning to consider the possibility that she had something to do with Harry's disappearance? Was it even possible that the woman had deliberately sent her on a wild goose chase? There was only one way to find out and that was to confront the woman.